Judge Rules Cypress Boy With Autism Can Bring Service Dog To School

SANTA ANA (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that a 7-year-old boy with autism must be allowed to bring his service dog with him to his Orange County elementary school.

The Los Angeles Times says Judge Andrew Guilford granted a preliminary injunction Tuesday in favor of the student, identified as C.C. in court papers. Guilford found that keeping the boy and the dog apart during school hours could hurt the bond between the two.

The boy’s parents sued the Cypress School District, claiming their son was being discriminated against because of his disability.

The school district had argued that the dog’s presence could be disruptive and burdensome for staff.

The dog is trained to help keep the boy from wandering off and to detect his mood and calm him if he starts feeling anxious.